About Paroedura picta (Peters, 1854)
Paroedura picta, also called the ocelot gecko, is naturally a brown lizard with black markings. Some wild individuals also have a white stripe running along their back. In captivity, multiple different color morphs are available, including hypo, orange, anerythristic, and amelanistic yellow. Most individuals grow to a total size of 4 to 6 inches, which is 10 to 15 cm. Exceptionally well-cared-for male individuals can reach up to 8 inches, or 20 cm. Overall, this species is smaller than the average gecko. These geckos have slender, elongated bodies and narrow, pointed heads. Their natural coloration typically includes shades of brown, grey, and cream, with markings or spots that resemble the spots of an ocelot. They also have large, rounded eyes with vertical pupils, and sticky toe pads that let them climb and cling to surfaces. The ocelot gecko is not classified as a true climbing gecko, but it can still climb a limited number of surfaces. When startled in captivity, these geckos have been observed climbing up the sides of glass terrariums. They are exclusively insectivorous, meaning they only eat insects. This species is nocturnal. During the day, they hide inside crevices or beneath rocks. They are most active and best observed during their preferred hunting period, which falls between dusk and dawn.
